Top Cat To Take On The Demons

After a speedy recovery from minor foot surgery a month ago, Geelong captain Joel Selwood will make his 2014 debut in Alice Springs, when the Cats take on Melbourne . Another positive for Geelong - experienced ruckman Hamish McIntosh is finally set to make his debut for the club after a frustrating battle with injuries. The 29-year-old headed to the cattery from North Melbourne at the end of 2012, but knee, ankle and Achilles problems meant he didn’t play a game of footy in 2013.

Nathan Vardy and George Burbury are forced omissions from the Cats' team which narrowly defeated Collingwood in the NAB Challenge opener two weeks ago. Coach Chris Scott has opted to rest experienced campaigners Andrew Mackie, Corey Enright and Matthew Stokes, with draftees Jake Kolodjashnij, Jarrad Jansen and Nick Bourke given a shot in the big league. Fellow youngsters Jesse Stringer and Shane Kersten remain sidelined with niggling injuries.

After knocking-off Richmond in its opening match of the pre-season competition, Melbourne has named a strong squad. Midfielder Jack Watts and young forward Jesse Hogan have been included, as has rookie ruckman Max King, who comes in for Cameron Pedersen. Small forward Jay Kennedy-Harris, who kicked three goals against the Tigers, has been rested. Defender James Strauss, midfielder Michael Evans and big men Mitch Clark, Mark Jamar and Chris Dawes are also missing.